The Great Passover Escape

When Passover comes around, Ellie the elephant and Kang the kangaroo, residents of Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo, are determined to escape and see a seder for themselves. But their holiday knowledge is riddled with malapropisms: Ellie is convinced that God sent planes rather than plagues, while Kang is certain it’s plates. Fortunately, they enlist Chimp as an accomplice, who facilitates the escape and possesses a comparatively rabbinical level of Passover knowledge. And the trip is all the more joyous when they coincidentally choose the house that belongs to Zookeeper Shmulik, who, in keeping with tradition, opens his door and welcomes “all who are hungry” to join the festivities. Weiser’s playful digital illustrations have the inventive framings of mid-century art posters, while Moritz’s linguistically twisty text leads this earnest but nonsensical Passover tale that may well become the basis for many a holiday in-joke. Ages 4–9. [em](Feb.) [/em]